Strengthening Regional Health Services
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) President Dr Michael Wright and Vice-President Dr Ramya Raman are set to visit regional Western Australia this week. They plan to meet with local GPs, healthcare teams, and communities in the Great Southern region.
Stops are scheduled in Denmark and Albany. Here, they will engage with local GPs and Aboriginal community-controlled health services. The visit provides an opportunity to hear directly from those delivering and accessing care regionally.
Dr Wright emphasised the importance of these visits, stating, “GPs in regional WA are delivering comprehensive, high-quality care, often across large distances and with unique challenges.” Understanding these challenges is crucial for effective advocacy.
Focus on Workforce and Training
The visit will focus on strengthening the regional general practice workforce and supporting high-quality training. By listening to local GPs and patients, the RACGP aims to inform national advocacy and policy.
Dr Ramya Raman highlighted the need for investment, saying, “General practice is the backbone of healthcare in regional WA, but many communities continue to face workforce shortages and access challenges.”
International medical graduates are critical to regional communities, yet they need better support and fewer barriers. Dr Raman stated, “It’s vital that governments invest in workforce attraction and retention, as well as training opportunities, to ensure people living in regional WA can access timely, high-quality care close to home.”
During their visit, the RACGP leaders will discuss the pre-budget submission, which calls for targeted investment in general practice. This includes workforce incentives, support for training in the regions, and funding models that reflect the complexity of care.
Dr Raman mentioned that the visit would also strengthen connections with RACGP members across the state. “Opportunities to meet face-to-face with members, hear their experiences, and discuss solutions are incredibly valuable,” she said.
The RACGP is advocating for continued investment in regional general practice. They emphasise the need for support in training pathways, infrastructure, and policies that improve access to care for communities across Western Australia. The visits aim to collect firsthand accounts to guide national policy and advocacy.
The focus on Aboriginal health services underscores the commitment to inclusivity and addressing specific community needs. These interactions are intended to foster stronger relationships and ensure diverse healthcare needs are met effectively.
Last updated: 4 May 2026, 3:34 pm
